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Pura Luhur Batukaru

The Temple of Luhur Batukaru sits on the forested slope of Bali's second highest volcanoes, just out of Tabanan. Because of the temple's green surrounds it's often referred to as the Garden Temple. This temple was built to protect Bali from evil spirits coming from the west, but there are 8 other temples to protect from other directions as well. The first temple on this site was built in the 11th Century, but the pagoda-esque structure standing today was built in 1959.

Many of Bali's temples have become slightly overrun with visitors, but this one is harder to get to and much quieter – less people trying to sell you something on the approach etc. It's also very peaceful up here in the fresh air.